EU / EEA / Switzerland
F-1 visa generally requiredEven if your passport qualifies for ESTA, the Visa Waiver Program does not replace an F-1 student visa for academic study leading to a U.S. degree or certificate.
Updated August 11, 2026
F-1 student visa, CPT, OPT & STEM OPT in the USA
A practical guide for international students who plan to study or work under F-1 rules. Learn who needs an F-1 visa, how CPT and OPT differ, what changes in September 2026, what the current official fees are, and where to search for relevant U.S. jobs.
Who needs an F-1 visa? Citizenship scenarios
CPT and OPT eligibility is based on F-1 status and the student's academic situation, not on nationality. Citizenship mainly affects whether a visa stamp is required for admission and whether a reciprocity fee may apply.
United Kingdom
F-1 visa generally requiredBritish citizenship and ESTA eligibility do not create a student-visa exemption. Academic study in F-1 status generally requires an F-1 visa.
Australia, New Zealand & other VWP countries
F-1 visa generally requiredThe same rule applies: ESTA is for eligible visitor travel, not for entering the United States to pursue F-1 academic study.
Canada & Bermuda
General visa exceptionCitizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need an F-1 visa to seek admission as students, but they still need the required Form I-20 and must satisfy F-1 admission requirements.
Third-country nationals
F-1 visa generally requiredMost other foreign nationals need an F-1 visa before travel for academic study. A visa issuance or reciprocity fee may also depend on nationality.
Already in the United States
Status mattersIf you are already in the U.S., do not assume an ESTA, B visa or another status permits F-1 study or employment. A change-of-status or travel strategy can have case-specific consequences.
Important 2026 change: fixed F-1 admission periods from September 15, 2026
A DHS final rule published July 17, 2026 takes effect on September 15, 2026. For new F-1 admissions after the effective date, admission will generally be for the program period shown on Form I-20, up to four years, plus a 30-day period to prepare for departure or seek another lawful basis to remain.
- F-1 students already maintaining status in the United States under D/S on September 15, 2026 receive transition treatment.
- For those transition students, the authorized period generally runs to the I-20 program end date valid on the effective date or four years from September 15, 2026, whichever comes first, plus the existing 60-day departure period.
- Longer programs may require an extension-of-stay process under the new rule.
Because this rule is new and implementation guidance can evolve, students should confirm their own I-94, I-20 and DSO instructions before relying on a date.
CPT vs OPT vs STEM OPT
These are different forms of practical training. Approval or authorization must be in place before work begins.
| Route | When it is used | Core rule | Authorization |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPT | During the academic program | Training must be integral to an established curriculum and directly related to the major. A full academic year of lawful full-time enrollment is normally required, with a graduate-program exception in qualifying cases. | Authorized by the DSO in SEVIS and reflected on Form I-20 before the training starts. |
| OPT | Before or after program completion | Temporary employment must be directly related to the student's major. Eligible students may receive up to 12 months of OPT. | DSO recommendation plus USCIS approval of Form I-765 and an EAD before employment starts. |
| STEM OPT | After qualifying post-completion OPT | Eligible STEM graduates may seek a 24-month extension and must meet additional degree, employer, training-plan and reporting requirements. | DSO recommendation, Form I-983 requirements and USCIS Form I-765 approval. |
Full-time CPT can affect OPT eligibility
An aggregate of 12 months or more of full-time CPT generally makes the student ineligible for OPT at the same educational level. Part-time CPT does not trigger that rule.
Work must match the authorization
Dates, employer information, location, hours and the student's academic relationship to the work should be consistent with the applicable CPT, OPT or STEM OPT requirements.
F-1 and practical-training costs
Current F-1 visa fees and MaViAl administrative support price.
U.S. student visa application fee
$185
Non-refundable Department of State fee for an F student visa application.
SEVIS I-901 fee for F/M students
$350
Paid separately through the official SEVIS I-901 process.
MaViAl administrative support
$350
Per applicant. Government and school fees are not included.
Other official or third-party fees may apply depending on nationality, school requirements and the filing type.
F-1 visa application: basic sequence
1
Get accepted by an SEVP-certified school
The school registers the student in SEVIS and issues Form I-20.
2
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee
Keep the payment confirmation with your visa records.
3
Complete DS-160 and visa scheduling
Follow the instructions for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply.
4
Prepare for the interview
Bring the required documents and be ready to explain the study plan, funding and intent to comply with F-1 requirements.
Before accepting a CPT/OPT job
- confirm the exact job title and duties
- document how the work relates to your major
- confirm location, hours and start/end dates
- keep employer and supervisor details in writing
- obtain the required school/USCIS authorization before starting
- for STEM OPT, verify the employer and training-plan requirements
Official U.S. references
Use primary government sources for current rules and filing instructions.
Administrative F-1 visa support by MaViAl Sp. z o.o.
Paid administrative assistance with document preparation, DS-160 guidance, I-20/SEVIS consistency checks, appointment guidance and interview preparation.
Administrative support only; no legal representation or guarantee of approval.
F-1, CPT and OPT FAQ
Do EU citizens need an F-1 visa if they can use ESTA?
Generally yes. ESTA/Visa Waiver Program travel does not authorize entry for academic study leading to a U.S. degree or certificate. The student normally needs F-1 status and, unless exempt from the visa requirement, an F-1 visa.
Do British or Australian citizens have a special F-1 exemption?
No general exemption exists simply because a person is British or Australian. Visa Waiver Program eligibility does not substitute for an F-1 student visa.
What is different for Canadian and Bermudian citizens?
They generally do not need an F-1 visa stamp to seek admission as students, but they still need the required Form I-20 and must meet F-1 admission requirements.
Can I work immediately after receiving an F-1 visa?
No. An F-1 visa is not unrestricted employment authorization. Employment must fit an authorized F-1 employment category and all applicable authorization requirements must be satisfied before work begins.
How long is regular OPT?
Eligible F-1 students may receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization. The work must be directly related to the student's major area of study.
How long is the STEM OPT extension?
Eligible students with qualifying STEM degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT, subject to additional program and employer requirements.
Does 12 months of full-time CPT affect OPT?
Yes. An aggregate of 12 months or more of full-time CPT generally makes a student ineligible for OPT at that educational level.
What changes on September 15, 2026?
A DHS final rule replaces duration-of-status admission with fixed periods for new F-1 admissions and includes transition rules for students already maintaining D/S status. Check your own I-94, I-20 and DSO guidance because the authorized end date becomes especially important.
Does MaViAl guarantee an F-1 visa or CPT/OPT approval?
No. Visa decisions are made by U.S. consular authorities; CPT authorization is handled through the school process; and OPT/STEM OPT employment authorization is adjudicated by USCIS.
Next steps
Use the route that matches what you need now.